Oregon bill requiring paid sick leave would save money, report claims

Washington – A bill in Oregon that would require paid sick leave for workers would save employers in the state almost $11 million a year and lower public health costs, according to a new report from the Institute for Women’s Policy and Research.

House Bill 3390(.pdf file) would allow eligible employees to earn at least seven days of sick leave a year to use for their own illness or to care for an ailing family member.

Based on its analysis of federal and state data, IWPR determined the legislation would expand sick leave to approximately 287,400 workers and save money through higher productivity and lower turnover. The bill also would save public health costs by preventing unnecessary hospital visits and nursing home stays, the report states.